In situ cantilever beam tests, which are frequently used to determine the flexural strength of an ice cover, are significantly influenced by the stress concentration around the beam root. A simple technique whereby the stress concentration is relieved by predrilled holes has been proposed, tested in situ and analyzed theoretically. This paper describes a photoelastic and finite element study of the suggested approach. The photoelastic and finite element results agreed well with each other, indicating that stress concentrations can be relieved successfully by attention to the geometry of the hole and beam.

Publication date

1985

Language

English

Affiliation

NRC Institute for Research in Construction; National Research Council Canada